League Preview: Cork City -v- Kerry

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CORK CITY

Cork City face into a new era when they welcome Kerry to Turners Cross on Friday at 7.45pm.

It will be the first league game under the new management of Tim Clancy as the club starts again following their relegation last November.

They have lost both games since the resumption after the international break. Last Friday’s defeat to Derry saw them remain in 9th position.

They have been busy in the transfer market with plenty of new faces arriving in. Questions remain regarding certain positions and after a mixed set of results in warm-up games.

Clancy commented on the uniqueness of this Cork v Kerry clash: “It’s brilliant that we are at home.

"There’s going to be lots of energy, it’s going to be very competitive, it’s going to be physical as well so it’s a brilliant game to start the season with.

"I can’t wait to get going on Friday. The quality of the squad, and especially the young talent, will hopefully give the fans something to be proud of.”

Cork have reported a clean bill of health for all their players, but some recent signings might not be ready to start just yet.

KERRY



It is also a fresh start for the visitors who travel east to take on their more illustrious Munster rivals.

Conor McCarthy has taken over management duties from Billy Dennehy to become the youngest ever manager in LOI at 26.

The club have been active in the transfer market with the arrival of Andy Spain from Treaty and both Steven Healy and Daire McCarthy from Galway.

They have warmed up for this fixture with two wins in their debut season in the Munster Senior Cup.

First team coach James Sugrue spoke ahead of the game: “It’s definitely something we are looking forward to.

"I said to the boys to go up there and maybe on the night you’ll be a giant killer.



"We are looking forward to the occasion, to the atmosphere, and hopefully our fans will be singing post-match heading back down the road.”

Ryan Kelliher, Victor Udeze, and Daniel Okwute are all doubts having picked up knocks in pre-season.

Ferdia O’ Brien is in line to make his debut having recovered from a slight injury.

Referee: Daniel Murphy

 

MATCH STATS

It’s a first ever encounter between Cork City and a side from Kerry in league football.

City have come up against Tralee Dynamo’s in the A championship previously and in the Munster Senior Cup though.

PREDICTION

Cork City 3-0 Kerry

 

Cork City

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Kerry 

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: Ryan Kelliher, Victor Udeze, Daniel Okwute.

Suspended: N/A

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